Learn Graphic Design Using Photoshop

Photoshop is the premier tool for graphic designers. This 100% online course prepares students to produce professional-quality digital and print graphic designs. Key topics include rules and standards for visual communication, design theory and practical applications of Photoshop tools.

Course Objectives

• Learn professional graphic design concepts and terminology

• Develop skills with Photoshop workspace tools

• Trace the history of design and its influence on contemporary design standards and trends

• Develop a portfolio of creative work

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.14 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word or an equivalent word-processing program.
• Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) (included in enrollment)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• The Elements of Graphic Design by Alex W. White
• Exploring Typography
• Your enrollment in this course also includes a 12-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. You will learn how to activate this subscription during the course.

Graphic Design FAQs

What Do Graphic Designers Do With Photoshop?
According to Adobe, the company behind Photoshop, their customers use Photoshop for an almost unlimited variety of 2D and 3D design projects. Common tasks include photo and video editing, manipulation and compositing, logo design, typography, and print layouts along with an array of business applications like document design for letterhead and business cards.

Are Photoshop Skills Good For An Entry-Level Design Job?
Photoshop skills are among the most widely-cited qualifications for entry-level graphics design jobs. They are also valuable for freelance graphics design projects.

What Are The Most Popular Graphic Designs Created With Photoshop?
Along with general graphic design skills, Photoshop is most commonly used for website design, photography, internet marketing and infographics and user interaction (UI) and user experience (UX) design.

Is A Graphic Design Course Necessary To Get A Job?
A well-designed online course provides organization, stimulation, and discipline that greatly enhances a student's opportunity to learn skills and techniques quickly and correctly. Solid online courses can also provide the basis for building a portfolio of work for employers and clients.

Curriculum

Understanding The Client
Learn how to communicate effectively with a current or prospective client. Understand your needs and questions to ask before embarking on a new project, including what is the client trying to promote and who is the target audience?

Design The Logo
Begin learning the basics of design. This section of the course will cover how to effectively create a logo, submit proofs, and collaborate with a client.

Design, Layout, And Color Fundamentals
Next, understand design, layout, and color fundamentals. Learn how to define the project's style and tone, create an effective layout, and how to choose the right colors.

Working With Type
Explore the role of type in graphic design. Begin to be able to identify font characters and choose the right font for headings and body text. Lastly, you'll work with creating and placing blocks of text.

Photo Editing
Dive into the world of Photoshop. Build a foundation of knowledge regarding opening photos, resizing and cropping images, using retouching tools, creating a composite image, and adjusting tone, color, and contrast.

Designing A Brochure
Put your new skills to use by creating a brochure from scratch. You’ll layout the brochure’s panels, choose fonts and colors, and fine tune your design for visual impact.

Creating Print Advertising
Design a print ad that conveys information through a compelling imagery and text.

Designing For The Web
Apply your graphic design skills to a web-specific design. You’ll also learn how to create effective creative for social media and web user experience.

Email Advertising
Discover how to create effective assets for email marketing campaigns.

Bringing It All Together
Complete the course by creating a complete marketing package. As the class concludes, you'll learn about production methods, website options, and how to create camera-ready art for print.

Instructors

Laurie Ulrich

Laurie Ulrich is an accomplished graphic design professional, teacher and author. Her firm provides graphic design, training, marketing and web development services to a global client base. She is the author of over 30 books including Access 2016 for Dummies. She is an expert on brand-building through outreach, promotion and education.

Randy Rolen

Randy Rolen is a professional graphics designer with over 30 years of experience. He has served as Senior Graphics Designer for high tech companies and has operated his own graphics design firm since 1993. He specialized in web-based design, including websites and banner advertising. He has been teaching online since 2002.